We look at our world, and we say, “NO HOPE. The problems are beyond repair. This downward spiral is going right into a black hole.”

That is what human logic tells us, and I confess that sometimes I bow my head and say, “Enough already, God.”

But what does God say?

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1)

This verse precedes a long litany describing the state of the nation of Israel in Isaiah’s day.  If you read it (Isaiah 59), you may be amazed at how similar the problems were to the ones we face in our world today.

God saw the sin then, and He sees it now, but our sin does not alter Who God is.

God’s mercy and grace have not changed or diminished. We are sometimes so enamored with our own sins and problems that we cannot see past them into His eyes of love.

God responded to the crookedness and the deceit and the multiplication of transgressions in Israel by offering a Redeemer. He sent Jesus!

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion (Isaiah 59:20).

God’s answer has always been Jesus!

Does Isaiah 59 speak of God’s judgment on those who continue in their own way? Yes, and judgment is still the result of rejecting God’s mercy.

There is another path, another direction, though, and that road takes us right to the feet of Jesus.

I want to remember this truth today as I walk through this world filled with hatred and wickedness. When I begin to feel hopeless, I want to remember that God has not changed – He is still in the redeeming business.

I want to remember the promise that His words will not depart out of my mouth, or my children’s mouth, or my grandchildren’s mouth (Isaiah 59:21). 

I want to keep talking about and living for Jesus.

And when I see NO HOPE posted the door of life I plan to turn that sign around, because on the back it says JESUS.

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee.

Photo – Morning Star, Beth Mims